1.1The portion of the plan dealing with training is one of the key elements of a response plan. This concept is clearly expressed by the fact that Congress, in writing OPA 90, specifically included training as one of the sections required in a vessel or facility response plan. In reviewing submitted response plans, it has been noted that the plans often do not provide sufficient information in the training section of the plan for either the user or the reviewer of the plan. In some cases, plans simply state that the crew and others will be trained in their duties and responsibilities, with no other information being provided. In other plans, information is simply given that required parties will receive the necessary worker safety training (HAZWOPER).

1.2The training section of the plan need not be a detailed course syllabus, but it must contain sufficient information to allow the user and reviewer (or evaluator) to have an understanding of those areas that are believed to be critical. Plans should identify key skill areas and the training that is required to ensure that the individual identified will be capable of performing the duties prescribed to them. It should also describe how the training will be delivered to the various personnel. Further, this section of the plan must work in harmony with those sections of the plan dealing with exercises, the spill management team, and the qualified individual.

1.3The material in this appendix D is not all-inclusive and is provided for guidance only.

2. Elements To Be Addressed

2.1To assist in the preparation of the training section of a facility response plan, some of the key elements that should be addressed are indicated in the following sections. Again, while it is not necessary that the comprehensive training program for the company be included in the response plan, it is necessary for the plan to convey the elements that define the program as appropriate.

2.2An effective spill response training program should consider and address the following:

2.2.1Notification requirements and procedures.

2.2.2Communication system(s) used for the notifications.

2.2.3Procedures to mitigate or prevent any discharge or a substantial threat of a discharge of oil resulting from failure of manifold, mechanical loading arm, or other transfer equipment or hoses, as appropriate;

2.2.3.1Tank overfill;

2.2.3.2Tank rupture;

2.2.3.3Piping rupture;

2.2.3.4Piping leak, both under pressure and not under pressure, if applicable;

In drafting the training section of the facility response plan, some further considerations are noted below (these points are raised simply as a reminder):

3.1The training program should focus on training provided to facility personnel.

3.2An organization is comprised of individuals, and a training program should be structured to recognize this fact by ensuring that training is tailored to the needs of the individuals involved in the program.

3.4The training program should include participation in periodic announced and unannounced exercises. This participation should approximate the actual roles and responsibilities of individual specified in the plan.

3.5Training should be conducted periodically to reinforce the required knowledge and to ensure an adequate degree of preparedness by individuals with responsibilities under the facility response plan.

3.6Training may be delivered via a number of different means; including classroom sessions, group discussions, video tapes, self-study workbooks, resident training courses, on-the-job training, or other means as deemed appropriate to ensure proper instruction.

3.7New employees should complete the training program prior to being assigned job responsibilities which require participation in emergency response situations.

4. Conclusion

The information in this appendix is only intended to assist response plan preparers in reviewing the content of and in modifying the training section of their response plans. It may be more comprehensive than is needed for some facilities and not comprehensive enough for others. The Coast Guard expects that plan preparers have determined the training needs of their organizations created by the development of the response plans and the actions identified as necessary to increase the preparedness of the company and its personnel to respond to actual or threatened discharges of oil from their facilities.

This document contains corrections to the final regulations (RIN 1625-AB37) that were published in the Federal Register of Tuesday, July 16, 2013 (78 FR 42595). The regulations related to safety regulations for facility and vessel vapor control systems (VCSs).

This final rule makes non-substantive changes throughout Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this final rule is to make conforming amendments and technical corrections to Coast Guard navigation and navigable waters regulations. These changes will have no substantive effect on the regulated public.

Title 33 published on 2014-07-01

The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to 33 CFR Part 154after this date.

This document contains corrections to the final regulations (RIN 1625-AB37) that were published in the Federal Register of Tuesday, July 16, 2013 (78 FR 42595). The regulations related to safety regulations for facility and vessel vapor control systems (VCSs).

This final rule makes non-substantive changes throughout Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The purpose of this final rule is to make conforming amendments and technical corrections to Coast Guard navigation and navigable waters regulations. These changes will have no substantive effect on the regulated public.